Short History of the Victorian Era

by Gordon Kerr

Beginning in the 1830s and ending with the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, the Victorian Era saw the British Empire—the largest the world had seen—dominate the world. British ingenuity in the fields of technological development and the heavy industry of its Industrial Revolution led to Britain being dubbed "the workshop of the world" while its Royal Navy policed the world’s oceans helping to create what has become known as a "Pax Britannica." This book details the sweeping social and economic changes that took place during this period but also examines the events of the time and the lives of the eminent Victorians who contributed so much to British success—men and women such as Florence Nightingale, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and Charles Darwin. This is the story of the greatest period in British history, a period that still resonates in today’s Britain.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

256 pages, Paperback

Published March 21, 2019

About the author

Gordon Kerr was born in the Scottish new town of East Kilbride and worked in the wine trade and then bookselling and publishing before becoming a full-time writer. He is the author of numerous books in a variety of genres, including art, history, true crime, travel and humour. He has a wife and two children and lives in Hampshire and—when he can—South West France.

Reviews

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It would probably be more accurate to say it's a short history of Victorian era UK politics...both domestic & foreign...with special guest appearances by literary and technological innovations, and a few cultural cameos. Not exactly the most epic of histories, but a serviceable and useful volume on any number of fronts.

[Eileen]

great read. at least finally i found out how crystal palace got its name.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overview. Victoriana. Politics. Pax Britannica. Bland.

[Sharnie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Clearly have to already have a good understanding before going in. Just felt clueless and out of my depth.

[Amanda Witt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Succinct chapters of each decade of Queen Victoria's reign, featuring the major political and other events of the years.

[Jamie Emerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does what it promises - no historiography and a major focus on politics, this is a readable introduction or primer.

[Fqh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very intuitive and descriptively history of the Victorian era, compacted in seven chapters.

[Yasmin Nur Habibah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a well-packed book which serves the history of UK Politics both in local and foreign👍